By Adeola Ogunlade, Contributor
MARKING INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day 2025 under the global theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality.”, the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) has renewed calls on the Nigerian government to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, who has endured seven years in captivity.
Leah Sharibu remains a stark symbol of religious persecution and the ongoing insecurity crisis plaguing Nigeria. Abducted on 19 February 2018 alongside 109 other schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP),
Leah’s refusal to renounce her Christian faith reportedly led to her prolonged captivity. While her fellow abductees were freed, Leah remains a hostage.
In a statement signed by its president, Adeola Ogunlade, ACCoN expressed grave disappointment in the government’s inability to secure Leah’s freedom, describing the situation as a tragic reflection of the country’s deteriorating security landscape.
“Leah Sharibu has tragically spent most of her adolescent years in captivity simply for holding true to her faith.
The Nigerian authorities have not done enough to bring her home,” the statement read.
The association appealed to the Federal Government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to intensify rescue operations for Leah and the thousands of other women and girls still held by terrorist factions.
ACCoN emphasised that Leah’s continued detention underscores the urgent need for the protection of fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion.
“Leah’s courage in the face of unimaginable adversity remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for young girls in Nigeria,” the statement added.
“We reaffirm our commitment to being a voice for the voiceless and advocating for peace, justice, and security in Nigeria.”
As the world celebrates women’s resilience and rights, ACCoN insists that Leah Sharibu’s plight must not be forgotten, calling for sustained pressure on the Nigerian government to secure her release and uphold human dignity.
